England cricket captain Andrew Strauss resigns after a troublesome summer on and off the field.
The 35-year-old veteran of 100 Test matches – 50 as captain – blamed his loss of form for his decision not only to stand down as captain but to retire from all forms of cricket.
But he had been under growing pressure, not only in the wake of his indifferent form – England lost their No 1 status after losing the recent series to South Africa – but with problems within the dressing room, which culminated in the dropping of star batsman Kevin Pietersen.
However, he strenuously denied that that had anything to do with his decision.
“I first spoke to (coach) Andy Flower before the Pietersen incident reached its height,” he said.
The “Pietersen incident” followed news of “provocative” text messages, sent by the South African-born England batsman to members of the South African team, which he subsequently described as banter.
They are believed to have contained derogatory references to Strauss, and were due to be discussed between the two and England’s managing director, Hugh Morris.
Pietersen‘s omission from the team that played the final Test against South Africa divided many, although Strauss’s England colleagues are understood to be behind him – or perhaps, more accurately, opposed to Pietersen’s behaviour.
However, even without the distracting sideshow, Strauss has struggled for form.
His overall England record is impressive – more than 7,000 runs at an average of more than 40.
He twice captained England to Ashes victories over Australia.
But although he scored two centuries earlier in the summer against the West Indies, who are no longer a top Test team, he averaged less than 18 against South Africa and has lost six of 11 Tests since he led them to the No 1 spot.
Strauss told a news conference that he believed it was the right time to step down, and that it was in the best interests of the team.
Alastair Cook, his opening batting partner and captain of England’s one-day international team, will take over the Test side, too. He will also take Strauss’s place in the imminent talks with Pietersen.
Cook said: “Obviously I’ve got huge boots to fill. Andrew played 100 Test matches, [and scored] 7,000 runs, and it feels like I’ve spent all my England career walking out to bat with him.
“That’s a huge hole to fill – and unfortunately it might mean I have to take the first ball now.”
Strauss, who also plays for Middlesex when international commitments permit, said he was going to take time to decide what to do next, but he said he would like to stay involved in cricket.
He said: “I would love to stay involved in the game, I’m hugely passionate about the game, I feel like I’ve got more to offer the game at some stage in the future but in what capacity I’ve got no idea.”
David Collier, chief executive of the England Cricket Board, led the tributes to Strauss.
He said: “Andrew has been a highly successful captain and opening batsman for Middlesex and England, who will be remembered for leading the side to two Ashes victories and to the top of the test rankings.
“He has shown tremendous integrity, dedication and commitment, both on and off the field, and under his leadership the side has grown immeasurably and reached new levels of professionalism.
“Andrew’s calmness and authority when dealing with some of the most difficult moments in our sport in recent times should be applauded, and I have no doubt that his contribution as an ambassador for the game will be recognised by anyone who has had an opportunity to spend time with him.
“His legacy within the game will be felt for many years to come, and we now need to continue to build on the progress we have made under his leadership.”
A measure of the regard in which Strauss is held within the game can be seen from the number of players, past and present, who queued up to offer their praise, and from the comments of sports journalists, known more for their cynicism than effusive tributes.
Stuart Broad, one of England’s key bowlers under Strauss, tweeted: “Awesome guy, great leader, dependable batsman and a solid 1 slip catcher. Cheers Straussy you’ll be playing scratch golf within a year.”
Former England colleague Paul Collingwood wrote: “Andrew Strauss should be very proud what he’s done for English cricket and everything he’s achieved, great team man and great leader.”
Mike Selvey, a former Middlesex and England bowler, who is now chief cricket correspondent of the Guardian, tweeted: “Breaking from holiday to thank Andrew Strauss for his part in giving this hack some of the happiest times ever in this job and wish him well.”
Another former Middlesex and England player, Simon Hughes, who is now a journalist and cricket analyst, wrote in The Daily Telegraph: “Strauss is one of the best men England have ever had.
“He has put the team’s interests ahead of his own desires.”
Patrick Kidd, of The Times, summed up on Twitter Strauss’s standing among fellow cricket scribes: “Strauss given a round of applause at the end of the press conference. Few England captains in any sport leave the job so admired.”